Maine Memory Network

Student Exhibit: The Story of the Heywood Tavern

The story of the Heywood Tavern in Skowhegan.

Poland Spring: Summering in Fashion

During the Gilded Age at the end of the nineteenth century, Americans sought to leave increasing urban, industrialized lives for the health and relaxation of the country. The Poland Spring resort, which offered a beautiful setting, healing waters, and many amenities, was one popular destination.

Designing Acadia

For one hundred years, Acadia National Park has captured the American imagination and stood as the most recognizable symbol of Maine’s important natural history and identity. This exhibit highlights Maine Memory content relating to Acadia and Mount Desert Island.

Summer Folk: The Postcard View

Vacationers, "rusticators," or tourists began flooding into Maine in the last quarter of the 19th century. Many arrived by train or steamer. Eventually, automobiles expanded and changed the tourist trade, and some vacationers bought their own "cottages."

Selections from the Collections

Maine Historical Society staff come across unique and unforgettable items in our collections every day. While it's difficult to choose favorites from a dynamic collection, this exhibit features memorable highlights as selected by members of the MHS staff.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"X J. Cutters Inn Tavern Sign, New England, ca. 1802 Oil on wood Courtesy of Bevinn O'Brien From the earliest decades of English settlement in Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"… hidden in Moxie cases, 1927 Seized at a Yarmouth Inn Collections of Maine Historical Society/Maine Today Media Citizens in Maine and throughout the…"

The Trolley Parks of Maine

At the heyday of trolleys in Maine, many of the trolley companies developed recreational facilities along or at the end of trolley lines as one further way to encourage ridership. The parks often had walking paths, dance pavilions, and various other entertainments. Cutting-edge technology came together with a thirst for adventure and forever changed social dynamics in the process.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"Overview & Introduction Cache of liquor, Portland, 1920Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media Maine played a central role in the United…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"Why Study the History of Drinking? The history of drinking in Maine and America is rich and complex."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… Temperance Membership Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law "The results of our agitation will be the expulsion from all the…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"Politics and Enforcement Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Going Where it Will Do the Most Good The Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"Influential & Interesting Documents Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X The Drunkard's Looking Glass, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"The Continuing Debate Exhibition promotional poster, 1998 X Excessive drinking, once New England's secret, is now a recognized public issue."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret

"1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret Tavern sign, Raymond, ca. 1850Maine Historical Society The Coming of Drink to New England (1620–1820)…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"Business as Usual Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Hayner Whiskey Advertisement The New England Magazine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"A Call to Temperance Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law X Prohibition vs. License Early 19th century Collections of Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law Temperance Watchman Club No. 1 banner, ca. 1848Maine Historical Society An Era of Reform By 1820…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition

"1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition Triumph and Disappointment Confiscated liquor bottles, Portland, 1927Maine Historical…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"Reform and Repeal Back to: 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition X Franco-American Temperance Workers Westbrook, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders

"1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders Announcement for The Reformed Rumseller: Mr."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"Women Leaders and Temperance Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Carrie Nation hatchet badge Ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Acknowledgements Advertisement or premium for Anheuser Busch Brewing Co., ca. 1892 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"Quenching the Thirst Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders Don't drink the vanilla, Lumber camp, ca."